A New Jersey nurse is suing Englewood Health after claiming she was punished for confronting a doctor who allegedly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Lexi Kuenzle, 33, a nurse at the hospital for nearly two years, says that on September 10, after news broke of Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung “cheered” in front of staff and a patient. When Kuenzle objected—“You’re a doctor. How could you say someone deserved to die?”—she says Jung replied, “He had it coming.”

Kuenzle reported the comments to management and posted about them online. The next day, she says, she was suspended without pay and warned she might be fired. Her lawsuit accuses Englewood Health of retaliation, discrimination based on her Christian faith, fostering a hostile workplace, and violating whistleblower protections. She seeks a jury trial and damages.

The hospital confirmed both Kuenzle and Jung were suspended pending investigation, stressing she was not fired and that reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate. Jung’s profile has since disappeared from the hospital’s website.

Kuenzle, a vocal conservative, has received public backing from GOP activist Scott Presler, who questioned whether Jung can treat patients fairly across political lines. The case has ignited debate over workplace ethics, free speech, and whether employees should face consequences for publicly challenging colleagues’ controversial remarks.